If this helps anyone on the side or totals tonite, then good. I've started following the Raptors more closely since Bryan Colangelo came over as GM from Phoenix and started building a running game on offense that has a buzz around here. This is a very different team from last year is very fun to watch. They will do nothing but improve as the season goes along and Andrea Bargnani (#1 draft pick and known as The Magician in Europe) finds his way into the system
For tonite's game, TJ Ford will be on Iverson and he is a guy about AI's size and speed (tho not his superstar skills and heart). Here is a local break down on the approach the Raptors will take tonite.
Monday's practice, meanwhile, was all about reinforcing the Raptors' high-octane offence. The Raptors were lulled into a pedestrian pace in their loss to San Antonio, and know they'll have to pick it up again if they stand a chance Wednesday against the undefeated Philadelphia 76ers
``We just have to stay dedicated to running, we have to stay dedicated to wearing down other teams. It's hard, but it pays off,'' said Bosh. ``It's all mental. You know you're going to get tired and what happens, you kind of try to reserve yourself because you don't want to get too tired, because you want to keep giving 100 per cent on the court.''
Mitchell said it may take some time for his players to fully adjust to the new way of playing.
``It's going to come. They understand, that's the way we're built to play,'' said Mitchell. ``We're not built to throw it inside and slug it out with people. We're built to get the ball up, get out in the open court, spread the floor and play basketball.
``Sometimes you forget who you are,'' he added. ``And we've only been trying to be this way eight pre-season games, three regular-season games, so we've got a long way to go.''
Now we know that AI will get his shots tonite and he has been lights out except for the last game that Philly lost. The only thing that worries me about the OVER 203? (up to 204 at some sites now) is that Philly's legs did not look all that great last game. The line on the Raps has been climbing all day and the OVER is edging up.
Toronto/Philly over 203?
I'm NOT playing huge here but want to monitor this team for the early start of the season and try and get a read for different situations.
This is really an FYI for anyone looking at this game. One thing...forget stats and trends over the years. This is a new Raptors team that is being rebuilt more in the image of Phoenix.
Good Luck to All Tonite!!
For tonite's game, TJ Ford will be on Iverson and he is a guy about AI's size and speed (tho not his superstar skills and heart). Here is a local break down on the approach the Raptors will take tonite.
Monday's practice, meanwhile, was all about reinforcing the Raptors' high-octane offence. The Raptors were lulled into a pedestrian pace in their loss to San Antonio, and know they'll have to pick it up again if they stand a chance Wednesday against the undefeated Philadelphia 76ers
``We just have to stay dedicated to running, we have to stay dedicated to wearing down other teams. It's hard, but it pays off,'' said Bosh. ``It's all mental. You know you're going to get tired and what happens, you kind of try to reserve yourself because you don't want to get too tired, because you want to keep giving 100 per cent on the court.''
Mitchell said it may take some time for his players to fully adjust to the new way of playing.
``It's going to come. They understand, that's the way we're built to play,'' said Mitchell. ``We're not built to throw it inside and slug it out with people. We're built to get the ball up, get out in the open court, spread the floor and play basketball.
``Sometimes you forget who you are,'' he added. ``And we've only been trying to be this way eight pre-season games, three regular-season games, so we've got a long way to go.''
Now we know that AI will get his shots tonite and he has been lights out except for the last game that Philly lost. The only thing that worries me about the OVER 203? (up to 204 at some sites now) is that Philly's legs did not look all that great last game. The line on the Raps has been climbing all day and the OVER is edging up.
Toronto/Philly over 203?
I'm NOT playing huge here but want to monitor this team for the early start of the season and try and get a read for different situations.
This is really an FYI for anyone looking at this game. One thing...forget stats and trends over the years. This is a new Raptors team that is being rebuilt more in the image of Phoenix.
Good Luck to All Tonite!!
